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Making a Difference (02:51)

After attending college, Seaman Recruit Annie Nguyen realized that she might prefer serving in the Coast Guard.

After attending college, Seaman Recruit Annie Nguyen realized that she might prefer serving her country, and the Coast Guard offered the kind of job experiences she wanted.

The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during wartime. Not only are they responsible for protecting the nation’s waterways, but they also assist with search and rescue, antiterrorism operations, law enforcement, drug busts and environmental cleanup.

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ROTC Training at Golden Gate Park (01:35)

Alex Fan and his fellow Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students engage in an exercise in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

Army National Guard
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It Runs in the Family (00:37)

Maj. Windy Hendrick, an Air National Guard fighter pilot, chose to join the Military because she wanted to carry on a family tradition.

Air National Guard
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Sink or Swim

ROTC cadets participate in a team-building exercise.

Army Reserve
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Air Force Reserve Mass Enlistment Ceremony

Air Force reservists take the Oath of Enlistment at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.

Air Force Reserve
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Studying Up on the Army National Guard

An Army National Guard recruiter describes the benefits available to college students who decide to join.

Army National Guard
Joining
Enlisted

The Future of MEPS (01:42)

Currently, an individual may have to visit a MEPS a few times to complete enlistment, but changes are underway that will help speed up the process significantly.

All Services
Joining
Enlisted

Making the Commitment — Again

Soldiers have the option to re-enlist in the Army, as long as they do so at least 90 days prior to their separation date.

Army
Joining
Enlisted

Meeting a Marine Recruiter (02:08)

Marine Corps recruiters describe the traits they look for in future Marines.

Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve
Joining
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A Checkup at MEPS

An Army National Guard recruit receives a physical at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).

Army National Guard
Joining
Enlisted

Induction Day

During Induction Day, approximately 1,200 new midshipmen begin four years of training and education at the Naval Academy.

Navy, Navy Reserve
Joining
Officer

Air Force Recruits Take Nighttime Oath of Enlistment

Taking the Oath of Enlistment is a proud moment for recruits. At that moment, recruits swear to defend the U.S. Constitution.

Air Force
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Enlisted

Recruits Brace for Boot Camp (02:55)

Before heading off to boot camp, Seaman Recruit Heather Bevel and Seaman Recruit Carey North discuss their reasons for joining the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve
Joining
Enlisted

Taking the ASVAB

An Army National Guard recruit takes the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).

Army National Guard
Joining
Enlisted

A Reason to Serve (00:33)

Maj. Windy Hendrick explains why the Air National Guard is a good fit for her belief system and for raising a family.

Air National Guard
Joining
Officer

MEPS: Physical Exam (01:42)

Every applicant must undergo a physical exam at MEPS to ensure he or she can meet the demands of service.

All Services
Joining
Enlisted

A Student and a Soldier (01:14)

Jeff Davis, an Army ROTC cadet at Old Dominion University, balances his college education with his military training.

Army
Joining
Officer

A Conversation with a Marine Recruiter

A Marine Corps recruiter talks to a young man about opportunities in the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve
Joining
Enlisted

Sailing at the Naval Academy

Midshipmen participate in a sailing exercise at the Naval Academy.

Navy, Navy Reserve
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Officer

Air Force Recruiters Meet Recruits in Washington, D.C.

Recruiters are available to answer questions and help prepare recruits for Basic Training and life in the Air Force.

Air Force
Joining
Enlisted

Earning a GED Through Service (00:48)

Pvt. Bobby Whatley describes his experiences in the Army National Guard's GED Plus program.

Army National Guard
Joining
Enlisted

From Air Force to Air National Guard (00:25)

Tech. Sgt. Luigge Romanillo explains how he transferred from the Air Force to the Air National Guard without a break in service.

Air National Guard
Joining
Enlisted

MEPS: ASVAB Testing and Career Counseling (02:31)

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery of tests, commonly called the ASVAB, is designed to help match military applicants with the right careers.